Following a 112 year absence from the Olympics, golf is back for a third straight year but not
without its controversies. The previous two summer Olympics saw players elect not to
participate due to concerns over the Zika Virus at the Brazil Games in 2016 and due to Covid-19
at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
This time around, it’s the absence of athletes such as 2024 US Open winner Bryson
DeChambeau due to his play on the LIV Golf League which makes him ineligible to claim
Official World Golf Ranking points. So despite winning the second Major of his career, he
finished lower than his four countrymen and was left off the team.
Despite this, the 60-man Olympic field is stacked with talent and is going to be fun to watch.
Let’s dive in and take a look at a few contenders that could reach the top of the podium.
Xander Schauffele (USA) +300
The reigning PGA and British Open Championship winner is planning on defending his Olympic
gold this summer. Xander Schauffele has finished outside of the top 25 in just a single
tournament through 18 starts on the PGA Tour in 2024. He has represented his country on
multiple occasions across his career, including at the Ryder Cup and is the only golfer with a
gold medal in the field this week.
Scottie Scheffler (USA) +400
The cuffs are off for Scottie Sheffler. Ranked 1st in the world, Sheffler has been a beast over the
past three years. He’s won two of the last three Masters, back-to-back Players Championships
and already had six wins before July, becoming just the sixth PGA player to do so. Despite
never competing at the Olympics, Scheffler has already proven that he can rise to any occasion.
Rory McIlroy (IRE) +1200
After finishing in a six-way tie for fourth at the previous Olympic Games, McIlroy is back
competing for his country and is aiming for a medal. McIlroy has seen his spot in the rankings
jump after once again finishing second at the US Open.
Odds to Win Olympic Gold Medal
Xander Schauffle (USA) +300
Scottie Sheffler(USA) +400
Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) +650
Rory McIlroy (IRE) +1200
Joaquin Niemann (CHI) +1400
Tom Kim, Korea +1800
Tommy Fleetwood (GBR) +2000
Ludvig Aberg Sweden +2200
Alex Noren Sweden +3000
Sepp Straka Austria +3500
Collin Morikawa USA +4000
Corey Conners (CAN) +3500